GENERAL REMARKS. 129 



tropical plants will not flourish in more northern latitudes, yet these 

 latitudes are, nevertheless, well provided with such as are essential 

 to the life and vigor of animals. In approaching the frozen zones 

 both animals and plants diminish ; hence vegetable life every where 

 keeps pace with that of animals. But though we lose sight of 

 valuable plants, it is only because they are not required; whilst 

 we find at the same lime others which are required and which are 

 even of greater value to the particular wants and the diffusion of men 

 and animals ; and this not only by indigenous plants, but by the sus- 

 ceptibility of tropical plants to yield to the change of climate. 



Indigenous plants of both continents we see maintain the laws 

 alluded to. At every step, north or south, the groups of plants 

 change in accordance with the circumstances of life. In central lati- 

 tudes we find the nativity of the clove, the nutmeg, pepper, mace, cin- 

 namon, the odoriferous sandal wood, the teak, the ebony, the banyan, 

 etc., in similar latitudes ; but in another district are found balm, myrrh, 

 frankincense, tamarind, coffee, and more northerly, the important 

 grains, the peach, the apricot, citron, walnut apple, chestnut, plum, 

 pear, etc. Thus we may wander from one region to another, south, 

 north, east or west, and find the groups of plants differing in their 

 l\inds, yet always corresponding with the diffusion, the necessities and 

 the interests of both animal and vegetable life. 



The vegetable food of the people of every country varies with the 

 productions in each. Nature, in the hot climates of the south lavishes 

 her vegetable stores ; but art and industry have abundantly furnished 

 the temperate climates, not only with necessaries, but luxuries ; so 

 that many of the productions of a more genial clime are here little 

 less valuable as necessary or luxurious food. Thus the grape, and the 

 melon are not inferior here to those flourishing in their own native 

 soil. Yet it is remarkable that so little attention is paid here to the 

 transplanting and improvement of many important fruits and vegeta- 

 bles of other countries. 



The cultivation of the soil presents a marked distinction between 

 races and nations of men. Wherever this is most the object of their 

 attention and ambition, there man is found most advanced in intelli- 

 gence and morals. And whoever contributes to the arts of vegetable 

 culture, or adds a new species of plants for useful cultivation, adds a 

 lasting blessing to his own species and a never-fading laurel to his 

 brow. 



Wherever vegetation is abundant it preserves the soil from the des- 

 olating effects of the elements ; and where cultivation is most success- 

 fully prosecuted, there health, comfort and civilization follow. The 

 improvement of climate, as well as of the social and Christian virtues, 

 keep pace with the arts of agriculture ; and wherever industry is free 

 and property secure, there less government is required and fewer pre- 



